Background

The band confirmed during their headline set at London’s Somerset House on July 15 that "Oblivion" will be the next single from Bad Blood. It was released digitally in the UK on 5 September 2014. A limited edition 7-inch vinyl edition of the single, featuring the previously unreleased track "bad_news" as the B-side, was also released on 8 September.

On 21 October 2014, Bastille announced their third mixtape, VS. (Other People's Heartache, Pt.III) with the release of their song "Torn Apart", featuring the artist Grades and Lizzo on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show. VS. (Other People's Heartache, Pt.III) was released on 8 December 2014.

Music video

The music video for the song was released on August 20. It was directed by the band's reccuring camera man, Tom Middleton. it features various clips from popular movies of the 80's and 90's.

Lyrics

Bad news like a sucker punch, what do you say?
Air knocked out of my lungs want you to stay
When you hear something difficult don't back away
Some people say nothing, good ones engage

Don't turn your back on me
Don't bury your head deep
Just cause you don't know what to say

Don't turn your back on me
Don't bury your head deep
Just cause you don't know what to say

It's true
That it kicks you in the teeth when you are least expecting
Bad news
Oh it beats you black and blue before you see it coming

Bad news like a sucker punch moving your way
People fill the streets like nothing has changed
Clapped hands if you're lonely don't leave the same
Planes fly overhead like any old day

Don't turn your back on me
Don't bury your head deep
Just cause you don't know what to say

Don't turn your back on me
Don't bury your head deep
Just cause you don't know what to say

It's true
That it kicks you in the teeth when you are least expecting
Bad news
Oh it beats you black and blue before you see it coming

Maybe I just want some words of destruction
I feel like I'm being consumed
Maybe I'm expecting the perfect reaction
It's pulled me back

It's true
That it kicks you in the teeth when you are least expecting
Bad news
Oh it beats you black and blue before you see it coming

It's true
That it kicks you in the teeth when you are least expecting
Bad news
Oh it beats you black and blue before you see it coming